Pulled out from the attic. Recommendations on how to improve this set-up.

[sog0]

Hi all,
 
First time poster, long time lurker. My step-dad just gave me some old Hi-Fi equipment a pair of Bose 301 Series IV and an Onkyo TX 8511 2 Channel Receiver.
 
I keep most of my music (FLAC and Apple Lossless) on my computer. I tried hooking up through the horrible onboard audio card and got a horrible static. From my understanding I need a DAC to link my computer to my receiver. I was hoping I could trouble you all for some advice suggesting one that would go well with this set-up.
 
I have an on-board optical audio port but would also be curious to know if there was a USB DAC so I could use it on my laptop as well--which would be an added perk.
 
Or even if this set-up is worth maintaining at all.
 
Sorry if I've posted this in the wrong section.
 
Oh and it will be used in my room which is a bedroom on the smaller side, I can put them on a bookshelf or on my desk.
 
Thanks again,
sog

 

[Maverickmonk]

I won't comment on the DAC suggestion, but there are a couple other things to consider that might be causing the horrible static. Now, regardless, a DAC will include the clarity of the system, but if the sound is that bad (it sounds like an FM station that is far away), there's a few other things to check:
 
1. Does the static come in regardless of source? try hooking up a phone, ipod, cd player, or something else (with another wire) and see if its still all static-y. If it is, it's possible that a potentiometer in the amp is corroded. Now, the amp you have is fairly recent, so I wouldn't expect it to be corroded, but since it's been in the attic, it's a possibility.
 
2. This is a big one. If you are using a laptop, try running it with the power cord unplugged. Doing Dj-ing I've found out before that for some reason, a lot of laptops have very noisy power supplies when they are plugged in, and it distorts the music terribly.
 
Barring these issues, a DAC will probably have a significant improvement on your system, but since I've only had experience with a couple of them, I won't recommend anything specific

 

[PurpleAngel]

You want External USB DACs, we have USB DACs.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/140847495065?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Portable-MUSE-USB-DAC-PCM2704-Sound-Card-Optical-Coaxial-Decoder-PDIF-Converter-/251153577961?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item3a79eb77e9
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MUSE-DA10-PCM2704-MINI-USB-DAC-Digital-Decoder-Headphone-Amplifier-Adaptor-/230835134355?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item35bed89f93
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SMSL-SD-022-USB-MINI-DAC-96K-24Bit-USB-input-Analog-output-Supports-ASIO-/120995829704?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item1c2be9d7c8
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HIFI-NEW-Version-DAC-Decoder-TE7022-CS4398-24Bit-96Khz-USB-RCA-headphone-output-/140751305382?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item20c56e7aa6
 
SMSL SD-793II S/PDIF (optical & coaxial) input DAC (with headphone amp.) $60
http://www.ebay.com/itm/280993199312?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[sog0]

Thanks for the replies. I found that when I switched which input I was using the static disappeared. I haven't yet used it with my laptop but I will and I'll follow your advice Maverickmonk.
 
Eventually I'll look into DAC's but the sound seems pretty sufficient for the time being, until I can do more research.
Thanks everyone for the help.

 

[Happy Camper]

Hey SOG, welcome to our little corner of the world. Let us know how you make out. Hide your mad money as there is a terrible suction that takes it from ya here. But the quality of the sound hypnotizes you while it sucks so you won't feel it so bad.

 

[sog0]

Happy Camper:
 
Thanks for the warm welcome, and yes, I can see the money walking out of my wallet as I type this. I've been reading everyone's reviews on DAC's and Amps. I want to get a new pair of headphones soon too. and well to be honest, I want everything.
 
The worst part is looking at the thread "Show us your Head-Fi station at its current state" that makes me want even more.
 
Best,
SOG